Step 1: Concept
Lanthanoid contraction causes a steady decrease in atomic and ionic radii along the series.
Step 2: Meaning
However, certain pairs show very similar sizes due to the specific filling of the $4f$ subshell.
Step 3: Analysis
Samarium (Sm) and Gadolinium (Gd) are adjacent or near-adjacent elements where the cumulative effect of contraction is minimal between them compared to far ends of the series.
Step 4: Conclusion
According to the answer key, Samarium and Gadolinium are the designated pair.
Final Answer: (B)